Al Amerat:Rubay Islam Rizon's impressive performance, scoring an unbeaten 33 off 19 balls and taking 4-72, led to a thrilling tie between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the second youth ODI at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Afghanistan elected to bat first and put up a strong score of 304-9. Bangladesh seemed poised to chase down the target with its middle-order batsmen performing well. However, Afghanistan's bowlers struck back with quick wickets in the latter stages of the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Bangladesh's innings started with a solid 70-run partnership between openers SK Jarif Siyam, who scored 22, and Abdullah Al Muhi, who continued to make 50 off 45 balls. Alamin Hossain Rony and Ahsan Al Mumin then shared a 79-run stand for the third wicket, with Rony scoring a fluent 71 and Mumin contributing 56.
Amir Hamza broke the partnership by dismissing Rony, and soon after, Mumin was also out. Noor Ali's bowling led to a Bangladesh collapse, with three wickets falling for just 26 runs, dimming their victory hopes. Despite Rizon's late efforts, Bangladesh could not secure the win.
Earlier, Afghanistan's innings was bolstered by Noman Salarzai's 71 and Faridullah Ihsas's 51, with Tahir Sarwary adding 43 runs, helping them to a competitive total. The series will continue with the third match scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.